Hackney plants 70 trees to commemorate 70th day of the 70th year of the Queen’s reign
Hackney has planted 70 sequoia redwood trees in Hackney Marshes to commemorate the 70th day of the 70th year of the Queen’s reign and begin the borough’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The sequoia grove of 70 coastal redwood, giant redwood and dawn redwood trees, supports the Council’s canopy cover and climate emergency targets and contributes towards the Queen’s Green Canopy, a nationwide tree planting initiative to celebrate the Jubilee. A commemorative plaque to mark the occasion has also been unveiled.
This year marks 70 years since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne. A year-long celebration will culminate in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June, during which Hackney will light a beacon on the top of Hackney Empire, support a host of street parties across the borough, and also mark the Jubilee at a family-friendly event in Springfield Park on Thursday.
It is fitting that on the 70th day of Her Majesty’s 70th year of service we are here to leave a lasting legacy in her honour. Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-serving monarch in British history and I am sure many residents will want to come together to recognise this tremendous milestone and visit these beautiful trees as they grow over the years to come.
I also hope as many residents as possible can join us in throwing their own street parties on the Jubilee bank holiday weekend so we can make sure Hackney celebrates this momentous occasion in style.
Hackney Housing services are offering grants of up to £500 to help bring local people together to celebrate the Jubilee. The funding is part of the National Big Lunch initiative, designed to develop connections across local communities. Details of how to apply and information on the range of funding available can be found at www.hackney.gov.uk/housing-funding-streams.
Young residents can also get involved by taking part in an art competition, organised by Hackney Speaker Cllr Michael Desmond, commemorating the Queen’s special milestone.
For more information on how to arrange a street party for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, please visit https://hackney.gov.uk/street-party.